Overview
What is it?
Interpersonal therapy (IPT) is a structured, time-limited psychotherapy that focuses on resolving interpersonal issues linked to depression. It was developed in the 1980s by Gerald Klerman and Myrna Weissman, drawing from the work of Sullivan, Meyer, and Bowlby. IPT does not have a specific theoretical origin but is grounded in the idea that improving relationships can alleviate depressive symptoms. It is not naturally occurring but is delivered by trained therapists in a structured format .
How does it work?
IPT works by addressing four key interpersonal problem areas: grief, role disputes, role transitions, and interpersonal deficits. The therapy is divided into three phases—beginning, middle, and end—each with specific goals. Techniques include communication analysis, role-playing, and exploring emotions. The therapist helps the patient improve their interpersonal skills, resolve conflicts, and build stronger relationships, which in turn reduces depressive symptoms .
What are the benefits?
IPT has been shown to be as effective as other therapies like cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and antidepressant medications for treating depression. It is particularly beneficial for individuals with interpersonal issues, such as those experiencing grief, role changes, or relationship conflicts. IPT is also effective across different age groups, including adolescents, adults, and older adults, and has been adapted for various settings, including primary care and group therapy .
Effectiveness
What does the research say?
Research indicates that IPT is highly effective for managing depression. Meta-analyses of numerous clinical trials show that IPT produces outcomes comparable to CBT and antidepressant medications. For example, a study involving 40 adolescents found significant reductions in depressive symptoms and improvements in interpersonal functioning after 16 weeks of IPT . Another meta-analysis involving over 11,000 participants concluded that IPT is equally effective as CBT and antidepressants for mild to moderate depression .
Side Effects
No specific side effects reported
Interpersonal therapy is generally considered safe and does not have the side effects associated with medications, such as weight gain or sexual dysfunction. However, like any therapy, it may bring up difficult emotions as patients work through interpersonal issues .
Evidence
Clinical Studies & Trials
[1] Psychological Treatment of Depression in Primary Care: Recent Developments.
This paper reviews the effectiveness of interpersonal psychotherapy (IPT) in treating depression, particularly in primary care settings. It highlights IPT's focus on resolving interpersonal issues and its comparable efficacy to other therapies like CBT.
View study[2] Effect of Brief Interpersonal Therapy on Depression During Pregnancy: A Randomized Clinical Trial.
This study examines the effectiveness of brief interpersonal therapy in reducing depression during pregnancy, emphasizing its safety and efficacy for prenatal mental health.
View study[3] The role of attachment style in interpersonal psychotherapy for depressed adolescents.
This study explores how IPT for adolescents (IPT-A) improves depressive symptoms by addressing attachment issues and interpersonal problems. Results show significant reductions in depressive symptoms and attachment anxiety.
View study[4] Interpersonal Psychotherapy: History and Future.
This review traces the history of IPT, its development, and its adaptations for various populations and settings. It also discusses future directions for IPT, including expanding its use in low- and middle-income countries.
View study[5] Replicating patient-level moderators of CBT and IPT's comparative efficacy for depression.
This study investigates how patient characteristics influence the effectiveness of CBT versus IPT for depression, highlighting the comparable efficacy of both therapies.
View study[6] Interpersonal psychotherapy (IPT) in major depressive disorder.
This article introduces IPT as an effective short-term treatment for major depressive disorder, focusing on its structured approach to resolving interpersonal problems.
View study[7] Interpersonal psychotherapy for treatment of obesity: A systematic review and meta-analysis.
This paper reviews the effects of IPT on weight loss, binge eating, and depressive symptoms, comparing it to other therapies like CBT and behavioral weight loss.
View study[8] Interpersonal Psychotherapy for Late-life Depression and its Potential Application in China.
This review highlights the effectiveness of IPT for late-life depression, particularly in addressing issues like role transitions and social isolation. It also discusses its potential use in China.
View study[9] A systematic review of interpersonal psychotherapy for postpartum depression.
This study systematically evaluates the effectiveness of IPT for postpartum depression, emphasizing its role in improving maternal mental health.
View study[10] Psychological Treatment for Depressive Disorder.
This paper discusses the advantages of psychotherapy, including IPT, for treating depression, highlighting its safety and preference over medication for many patients.
View study[11] Family-Based Interpersonal Psychotherapy: An Intervention for Preadolescent Depression.
This article reviews family-based IPT (FB-IPT) for preadolescent depression, focusing on improving parent-child relationships and reducing depressive symptoms.
View study